I look around the town of Harwick, I can't help but be amazed by the quiet hope gleaming against the looming darkness of my people. They go about their daily lives, despite the incredible odds facing them, with the sort of perseverance that I rarely see elsewhere. It makes me both sad, and yet proud to see them face adversity with strength and poise.
As I wander around the town, I wonder how Roth and Rogue are faring. After much arguing, I assured them I would be fine and sent them on ahead as he was impatient to return home to Bree. Myself, I find the solitude as a travel gives me a chance to reflect on what all has occurred since I left Bree some weeks ago.
My mind still reels from the argument with my father, and the things he told me. 175 gold ... I'm hard pressed to imagine such a sum, much less know that it is what drove him to give my hand to Thortham to begin with. Pursing my lips, my eyes drift up to the clouds above as I ponder my battered emotions.
Reaching up, I feel the side of my face where Thortham had slapped me, having barged into my father's home in an attempt to force me to go through with the wedding. I was fortunate, however, that Rogue chose to return with Roth, and together we were able to drive off Thortham and his men - Rogue almost killing him in the process for his foul tongue and demeaning attitude. Not that many would have missed the man, least of all myself, but I would not have Rogue thrown into jail for his murder.
I climb the ladder of one of the watchtowers, looking out on the plains below, and contemplate my next move. My father begrudgingly admitted that he was wrong, and I have convinced him that I am well enough in Bree. Dear sweet Merrideth, she made sure that I had plenty of foods for the travel back. I spoke to her most of the night about many things - Zan, Bree, my friends there. And him. She shook her head, saying that if it was meant, it would be, but I could tell by the look on her face that she thought I was being a fool.
There's no time to mope, I must go find my bed for the night and rest.
